Bunting, Interferrence and Stealing

Question
1st, If a batter squares off to bunt but does not bring the bat back to "take" a pitch, would that be a strike?

On a past ball, a runner scores, but stops near the ball to watch the rest of the play unfold, is in the direct path of the catcher trying to make a play on a runner advancing, should this be considered interference?

If the pitcher has the ball inside the circle, not on the pitching plate, catcher not in the catcher's box, is that ball considered live an base runner allowed to steal? (time was not called)

Answer
Hi Steven,

If the pitch is not over the sz, in ASA you can leave the bat there and it would be a ball.  You must make an "offer" to the ball in order for it to be a strike.  In most other orgs you must withdraw the bat.

It certainly could be interference, I would need to see all the elements, would really HTBT but the runner is playing with fire on this one.

Unless time for some reason was called, still have a live ball but the LBR would be in effect and any advance would depend on the runner complying with the LBR.

Mark